Public engagement opens on 20 July 2026

We are preparing proposals for public realm improvements at Vicarage Field in Hailsham town centre.

The proposals will be published on this website from 20 July 2026 and can also be viewed at a public drop-in event at Maybugs, Vicarage Field between 2pm and 7pm on the same day.

Residents, businesses and visitors are invited to learn more about the project, view the proposals and share their feedback before a planning application is submitted later this summer.

What is this project about?

Vicarage Field is an important part of Hailsham town centre, located between the High Street and Vicarage Lane. It provides a range of shops, services, leisure facilities and public spaces, as well as an important pedestrian link between the town centre and surrounding car parks and area.

We have developed proposals for a series of public realm improvements designed to enhance the appearance, accessibility and overall quality of the area while respecting Hailsham's character and heritage.

The proposals focus on improvements to public spaces, including paving, landscaping, seating, lighting and accessibility. They do not involve major redevelopment, changes to existing businesses, or significant alterations to the character of the town centre.

Ahead of submitting a planning application, we are inviting residents, businesses and visitors to learn more about the project and provide feedback on the proposals.

Many people will recognise Vicarage Field as:

• A place to shop and access local services
• An important walking route through the town centre
• A location for leisure and community activities

Why are improvements being proposed?

Vicarage Field plays an important role in the daily life of Hailsham and provides a key destination and route through the town centre.

The proposals aim to build on the area's existing strengths by improving the quality of public spaces and creating a more welcoming, accessible and attractive environment for residents, visitors and businesses.

The proposals have been developed following technical assessments and specialist input and seek to:

• Improve the appearance and quality of public spaces
• Enhance walking routes and accessibility
• Create more welcoming places for people to stop, sit and spend time
• Improve landscaping and planting
• Enhance lighting and the sense of safety
• Support the long-term vitality of Hailsham town centre

The proposals are intended to complement Hailsham's existing character and heritage while improving people's experience of using the town centre.

View the proposals from 20 July 2026

The proposals will be available to view on this website from 20 July 2026.

You can also attend a public drop-in event on:

Monday 20 July 2026, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Maybugs, Vicarage Fields, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 1BG.

Members of the project team will be available to answer questions and discuss the proposals.

If you are unable to attend the event, you will be able to review the proposals and submit your comments online through this website.

The proposals include improvements to:

• Paving and pedestrian routes
• Seating and places to rest
• Planting and landscaping
• Lighting
• Accessibility
• Public spaces and streetscape features

Have Your Say

We welcome your views on the proposed improvements.

In particular, we would like feedback on:

• The overall appearance of the proposals
• Accessibility and ease of movement
• Public spaces, seating and landscaping
• How the proposals could improve the experience of using Vicarage Field
• Any issues or opportunities that you believe should be considered before the proposals are finalised

All feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of the final review of the proposals before a planning application is submitted. Not all suggestions can be incorporated, as the proposals must also satisfy planning, heritage, technical, accessibility and budget requirements.

What happens next?

Following the engagement period, the Council will review all feedback received and consider whether any amendments to the proposals are appropriate.

A summary of the feedback will be published and a planning application is expected to be submitted later this summer.

Should planning permission be granted, further information about the delivery of the improvements will be shared in due course.